From the Information Age to the Conceptual Age

Creative, collaborative thinking in the workplace will move from the exception to the rule in the workplace of the future. And today's generation of young workers might not be prepared for it.

HR expert Daniel Pink calls the new reality of business the "Conceptual Age." In it, tomorrow's organizations will have to constantly explore new ideas, and become bolder, more flexible and more visionary if they are to remain competitive. These organizations will expect their employees to be creative, ask questions and take risks.

Meanwhile, Pink says, the young generation is being prepared for precisely the opposite type of environment. Their days are highly regimented, and there's less time in their busy schedules for play and exploration. And because they spend so much time on the computer, they spend less time interacting face-to-face.

Pink suggests that schools and universities need to step up to the challenge, introducing curricula that instill a passion for learning (as opposed to rote memorization) and exploration. But, faced with budget cuts and testing requirements, many schools will say that they won't be able to do so. Will this open the door to private schools that emphasize creative thinking?

Source: Herman Trend Alert